Campaigners in new fight against ‘super nightclub’

Concerned residents are opposing plans by Manchester nightclub Sankeys to build a 16,000 capacity standing-only music venue. Proposals for the £5m club – in a disused Trafford warehouse - were temporarily pulled in January after a public backlash.

Proposals for the £5m club – in a disused Trafford warehouse - were temporarily pulled in January after a public backlash.

But a new planning application for 'The Power Station' is expected to be submitted next month, prompting fresh outcry from residents.

Campaigners from the Sleepless in Salford group argue that the development will be close to hundreds of nearby homes and will damage their quality of life.

They are now calling on Trafford council to reject the proposals for the site, off Trafford Wharf Road.

The campaigners say that a much smaller application for a large warehouse venue by Sankeys was turned down by Manchester council in 2008, and are now asking why a venue holding five times more people and creating potentially five times more noise and disturbance is being considered for a residential area.

Kathy Harris, spokeswoman for the Sleepless in Salford campaign group, said: “Most people moved here for the quality of life and the unique tranquillity of this brilliant location.

“None of us would have made that decision if we knew we would have to tolerate an endless number of sleepless nights.

“Our concerns are about noise, anti-social behaviour and the disruption from 16,000 customers arriving and leaving, often in the middle of the night.”

Her concerns are shared by Hazel Blears, MP for Salford and Eccles.

She said: “This development is in a totally unsuitable location, so close to residential areas, and will have a big impact on the quality of life of people living in Salford Quays.

“No one wants to live next door to a superclub hosting events at all hours of the night. The prospect of noise, nuisance and anti social behaviour would be damaging to existing residents but also to the future development of the area.”

Developers have said the project, called Stadium Point, would create around 250 jobs and hopes to fill the venue by bringing in huge acts like Madonna, The Chemical Brothers, and Britney Spears.

A public meeting to discuss residents' concerns is planned for 10.30am on Sunday July 4 at the Hexagon Room, the Lowry Arts Centre, Salford Quays.

Speakers will include Hazel Blears MP, local businesses, police and members of the Sleepless in Salford campaign.